Tesla Model X revealed, available late 2013

February 10, 2012

Last night Tesla revealed the all new Tesla Model X- a 100% electric crossover vehicle – at a red-carpet style event at the Tesla Design Studios in Hawthorne California. The Model X will start production late next year with full production expected in 2013.

As rumored, the Tesla Model X has falcon-wing doors that are similar to the gull-wing doors on many high-end vehicles, but they bend in the middle allowing them to be opened in tight spaces much like the mini-van sliding doors were designed to do. The doors offer better access to the rear and third row of seats. Elon Musk, co-founder of Tesla, said the Model X is expected to be priced similar to the Model S sedan set to debut this summer – the Model S can go from 0 to 60mph in 4.4 seconds (quicker than a Porsche 911) and costs $57,500. The Tesla Model X can seat 7 real adults according to Musk, and actually has front and rear electric motors that instantly shift power from one to the other to maximize traction. The Tesla Model X’s turning radius is similar to that of a Mini Cooper.

Over 1000 people showed up for the Model X reveal, including California Gov. Jerry Brown. Musk announced to the enthusiastic attendees that the Model X has more room than a minivan, more style than an SUV and more performance than a sports car. The only thing that seems to be missing is a pickup bed for hauling dirty stuff!

Since the Tesla Model X has no combustion engine or large gas tank, it has substantial rear cargo room behind the third row of seats as well as a ‘frunk’ in the front of the car. The frunk apparently has the same storage space as the rear cargo area of an Audi Q7.

Musk said Tesla will start taking reservations for the Model X at noon Pacific time on Friday. Tesla is expect to produce between 10,000 and 15,000 Model X electric vehicles a year starting in 2014.

No word on the range of the Tesla Model X, but we are guessing it will be inline with the Model S range packages. The Tesla Model X will have a choice between 60kWh or 85kWh batteries.